As is true with tiny humans, play is important in young animals' development.Judge looks closely at 27 different animals and the playful habits of their young. Sometimes play helps animals learn how to forage and hunt. Other times, it can be practice for following rules. For some, it can even mean survival. Each subtopic is allotted two double-page spreads. In a dramatic setup scene, a large, bold statement declares an observation, such as: "Many young animals ask first before playing." Judge depicts one young chimp approaching another that is cradled in mom's embrace. A smattering of vignettes follows in the next spread. "A young chimpanzee swings his head and shoulders from side to side….That is his way of asking his friend, ‘Do you want to play with me?' " However, a sea lion pup "approaches another while holding a piece of kelp that serves as a toy, then quickly swims away." Kids will delight in comparing their own actions to those of the baby animals. The variety is also impressive: Red river hogs cavort in these pages, along with bottlenose dolphins and wallaby joeys. Judge's realistic illustrations are both endearing and expressive. Energetic moments are expertly captured. Tufts of fur fly; young ones are caught midpounce or with trunks held high, sending water splashing. The most appealing? The mischievous gleam of fun in everyone's eyes.Warm, inviting nonfiction, especially for those new to the genre. (additional facts, glossary, sources, recommended websites) (Informational picture book. 3-8)

K-Gr 3 Animals love to play just like human children. Similarly, they often make an initial gesture to invite play, and when things get too rough, they apologize. While they may not have physical toys, they often fashion playthings from objects in nature, such as leaves, tree limbs, rocks, animal hide, and plants. Many games involve pouncing, swatting, biting, slapping, wrestling, and other play fighting. Not only is play fun, but it helps animals find food, build communities, and find mates. Twenty-seven species are highlighted. Appended are sources, a glossary, and additional information about each animal's diet, habitat, and play habits. Spreads alternate between large, bold, one-sentence text and denser short paragraphs. The appealing watercolor illustrations portray cute, happy babies engaged in various kinds of play. VERDICT This well-researched picture book is both engaging and informativea treat for young animal lovers. A worthy purchase for most collections. Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NY